Tensions between Iran and the United Nations nuclear watchdog escalated on Saturday as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the withdrawal of its inspectors from Tehran over security concerns.
The IAEA, which is headquartered in Vienna, said no official justification had been given for the abrupt exit, though it follows Iranian accusations that the agency was complicit in Israeli intelligence operations.
Earlier this week, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Tehran would suspend all cooperation with the agency, accusing it of being exploited by hostile powers. The suspension comes in the wake of US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which Tehran claims were prompted by misinterpretations of an IAEA report.
Iran has alleged that a portion of the report was selectively cited by Washington and Tel Aviv to justify what it described as illegal and provocative military actions. “The IAEA activities served as an excuse for Israel and the United States to carry out strikes on its nuclear facilities,” Tehran said.
Diplomatic sources in the US were quoted in multiple media outlets on Friday as saying that the IAEA had been contemplating a complete inspector withdrawal within hours due to growing safety risks. That decision has now materialised, dealing a significant blow to international oversight of Iran's nuclear programme.
Also read: Iran orders end to UN nuclear oversight after US airstrikes
The departure of IAEA inspectors could result in restricted access to key sites and reduced visibility into Iran’s nuclear developments, fuelling further anxiety in Western capitals. However, Iranian officials maintain that the current breakdown in relations was triggered by what they view as repeated breaches of trust by the West.
Western commentators have warned that Tehran may now resort to pursuing nuclear enrichment activities in undisclosed locations. Iran has long dismissed such speculation as part of a decades-old Western narrative aimed at isolating the country.
Last month, the IAEA reported that Iran had stockpiled over 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent. Since the US-led strikes, the agency has not confirmed the status or location of this material.
The IAEA has not formally responded to Iran’s accusations of collusion with Israel, nor has it indicated if or when inspector presence in Iran might resume.
The developments come amid a backdrop of renewed threats from Washington. Following the attacks on nuclear facilities, the United States warned Tehran of more severe repercussions should it retaliate.
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